ORGANISERS of Southport Town and Country Fair have already started planning the next event in April, after a record breaking crowd visited over the bank holiday.

More than 12,900 people flocked to the three-day event, with just over 8,000 on the Monday alone.

Organiser William Parr said: “We were really pleased with the day. The show was bigger than ever with lots of new attractions, and we had 20% more trade stands, which were very popular.

“We were literally blown away on the Sunday and the weather was terrible on Saturday, but the attendance was still good.”

William began advanced planning for the next show, on 23-25 April, two months ago.

“We have more new attractions planned” he said.

“We are hopefully going to have a kitchen show, and a poultry and egg show.”

Many new features saw crowds flocking to the event.

One attraction was the air rifle shooting gallery, organised by Dave Fairhurst for the Three Rifles Battle Group.

William added: “The air rifle shooting raised about £614, which everybody was very pleased with.”

Also on offer was a display by the Cuerden Birds of Prey, mole-catching techniques, the North West Reptile Society, Pennine Carters Bernese Mountain Dogs, a pony show, face painting, basket making and a display by local beekeepers.